HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-11-29 Board of Health Minutes BOARD OF HEALTH
MINUTES
November 29, 2001
Dr. MacMillan called the meeting to order at 8:00 PM explaining that he would chair the
meeting with the assistance of Dr. Rizza since Mr. Gayton Osgood would not be
attending. Meeting was being held at the Senior Center immediately following the last
scheduled flu clinic.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Francis P. MacMillan, M.D., Member; John Rizza, DMD, Member, Sandra Starr, Health
Director;Brian Lagrasse, Health Inspector;Debra Rillahan, Public Health Nurse.
LOT 11 EVERGREEN-PHEASANT BROOK
Spokesman Mr. Matthew Watsky for owner Mr. Couillard feels Lot 11 could be buildable.
The Board of Health has said that the site is basically all rock and has no usable soil. The
owner also feels the vernal pool issue was wrongly placed on the lot after the subdivision
was approved. However, they agree there is a very small area for a septic system. Mr.
Watsky agrees that a three-bedroom or larger home could not be built on the lot, but he
feels a smaller two-bedroom home should be allowed. Since the Board has not approved
the two-bedroom plan yet, it is considered a new plan and will be considered by the Board
after a consultant review and before the next meeting on December 20th
PUBLIC HEARING—CHANGES TO TOBACCO REGULATIONS
Regarding fees and permit suspensions for sales of tobacco to minors, Dr. MacMillan
opened the hearing for public comment. Diane Pickles spoke for Healthy Communities and
explained the statistics and data gathered thus far. She explained that the town has a very
low rate of compliance and feels the fees currently charged don't do enough to convince
the stores to comply. She feels the new proposed regulations are tougher and more clearly
defined. Mr. Sharp, storeowner of Richdale's, asked to speak. In seventeen years of
"stings" he stated he never had a compliance problem. He was caught twice last year and
feels he is being unfairly punished. Mr. Sharp feels he has proven himself over the years
and shouldn't suffer because of his employees. He feels the cashier who actually sells to a
minor should be fined or fired. The Board explained he had the right to make such rules in
his own shop, but the Board only has the right to deal with the owner directly. In the end
we must hold the owner accountable for mistakes made by his employees.
Page Two
November 29, 2001
On a motion by Dr. Rizza, seconded by Dr. MacMillan the Board voted to adopt the
amended tobacco regulations.
JUNE THORNTON— 19 SECOND STREET
Ms. Starr told the Board Ms. Thornton would not be appearing. She did call Ms. Starr
and told her she will be going ahead with the repairs. There is a problem with the tenant
giving Ms. Thornton access to the apartment. Ms. Starr will be calling the tenant to speak
to him about the matter.
PERMIT FEES FOR 2002
Ms. Starr spoke regarding the food permit fees for 2002. The form that was presented
before the Board was created to show the proposed fees the food consultant would be
charging and what the department would need to charge to cover the consultant with a
small administrative fee.
On a motion by Dr. Rizza, seconded by Dr. MacMillan the Board voted to adopt the
increased food fees.
Ms. Starr spoke regarding the septic fee for soil testing. Ms. Starr would like to raise the
fee to $225.00, which will cover additional test holes and an administrative fee.
On a motion by Dr. Rizza, seconded by Dr. MacMillan the Board voted to agree to
increase the soil-testing fee to $225.00 effective January 1,2002.
1175 TURNPIKE
Ms. Starr spoke regarding ABC Bus Co. at 1175 Turnpike Street. They have had a failed
septic system out there for several years. Three years ago the Health Department told
them they needed to address this issue, either by tying into sewer or putting a new septic
system in. ABC Bus Co. asked if they could wait until sewer became available to them.
There is sewer there now but there is a force main and they cannot tie-in to that. There is
still additional time, a few years or more before that happens. They have a failed system,
and they have a permit which is three years old. ABC Bus Co. would like to put a tight
tank in. Ms. Starr stated that tight tanks for sewage must be approved by DEP. The
owner requested that the Board grant an extension on the soil tests performed on the site
over two years ago.
Page Three
November 29, 2001
On a motion by Dr. Rizza, seconded by Dr. MacMillan the Board voted to grant the
variances on extension on the soil testing.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion by Dr. Rizza, seconded by Dr. MacMillan, the Board voted to adjourn
at 8:10 P.M.
John S. Rizza, DMD, Clerk